Minneapolis Prostitution Lawyer

The consequences of convictions related to prostitution charges are serious and not something a person can afford to handle alone. Before sharing any information regarding your case after an arrest involving soliciting, alleged prostitution, or a related offense, talk to a Minneapolis sex crime defense attorney. Putting legal issues into our hands is putting your freedom and future first.

Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with a Minneapolis prostitution attorney. Call (612) 979-1112 or reach out online, we’re here to discuss your case and provide the guidance you need.

What Is Prostitution in Minneapolis?

Most people instantly associate prostitution with streetwalkers on a red-light street, but the underlying law on criminal prostitution is broad enough to include many sexual activities with an offer for cash, not the only sale of sexual contact. Prostitution involves transactions made to provide not only the person’s physical body, but also those made for the satisfaction of other’s sexual inclinations.

In Minneapolis, prostitution offenses are generally broken down into two categories: engaging in prostitution and soliciting prostitution. These offenses can apply to both the individuals offering or performing sexual services and those attempting to purchase such services.

Engaging in Prostitution (Minnesota Statutes § 609.324)

Engaging in prostitution refers to the act of offering or engaging in sexual acts in exchange for money, goods, or services. Under Minnesota law, individuals who engage in prostitution may face both criminal penalties and the stigma of a criminal record.

Soliciting Prostitution (Minnesota Statutes § 609.324)

Soliciting prostitution refers to the act of requesting, attempting to purchase, or paying for sexual services. This can include attempting to meet with a prostitute, advertising the services of a prostitute, or exchanging money in return for sexual acts. This charge can apply to individuals who are caught in the act or those suspected of attempting to solicit prostitution.

The consequences of these charges involve felony charges when a person has a past conviction for sex-related offenses or for one or more customer connections.

Due to the seriousness of these charges, for any misconduct, legal defense on your behalf is crucial. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we promise to deliver our best for each case we take, using our expertise, understanding and trial experience to file a significant challenge to any evidence presented by the prosecution.

Criminal Penalties for Prostitution Offenses in Minnesota

Prostitution offenses are generally classified as misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies, depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the accused has a prior criminal history. The potential penalties for a prostitution conviction can vary but may include:

• Misdemeanor Charge: A conviction for engaging in prostitution or soliciting prostitution as a misdemeanor can result in up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
• Gross Misdemeanor Charge: If the individual has a prior conviction for prostitution-related offenses or if the offense occurred near a school or place of worship, the charge may be upgraded to a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor conviction may result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, or both.
• Felony Charge: Prostitution-related offenses may be elevated to felony charges under certain conditions, such as if the accused has multiple prior convictions for prostitution offenses or if the case involves minors (whether the accused is engaging with a minor or participating in child prostitution). Felony convictions can lead to significant prison time and extensive fines.

In addition to the immediate penalties, individuals convicted of prostitution offenses in Minnesota may face long-term consequences. A criminal conviction can create barriers to employment, housing, and education, and can even impact your reputation and social relationships.

Human Trafficking and Prostitution

One of the more serious aspects of prostitution-related charges in Minneapolis is the issue of human trafficking. Minnesota has implemented strict laws against human trafficking, and if your case involves human trafficking—whether as a perpetrator or an alleged victim—the legal consequences can be severe.

Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes of sexual exploitation or labor. If you are accused of engaging in prostitution or soliciting prostitution in connection with human trafficking, you may face heightened charges, including felony-level penalties with long prison sentences.

Child Prostitution

While minors can be physically or mentally involved in prostitution, the term child prostitution involves situations where parents/guardians/sellers bear the financial burden of a gift or transaction in a trade where a minor offers sexual services, and may also include the creation of child pornography.

Child prostitution cases are exceptionally serious and are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted at both state and federal levels in Minnesota. Most offenders are charged with them as well came under federal jurisdiction. Many US citizens and those transporting minors from different countries to Minnesota are charged with child prostitution. Given these circumstances, if you have been charged with a crime involving child trafficking, we will immediately put our skills, experience, and understanding to get your legal side.

Defenses Against Prostitution Charges

Those are such similar common defenses to prostitution charges in Minnesota:

• Top Hat Argument
• Mistaken Evaluation by the Police
• The Reality of Misunderstanding on Escort Services
• Entrapment
• Lack of Evidence or Lack of Intent

Our legal expertise has also drawn nationwide attention, with appearances on national networks reviewing major crimes.

Sealing or Expunging a Prostitution Conviction

Having a prostitution conviction on your record can have lasting consequences, but there may be options for sealing or expunging your criminal record in certain cases. In Minnesota, individuals who have been convicted of a prostitution-related offense may be eligible for expungement, which is the legal process of sealing a criminal record. This can help prevent future employers or landlords from discovering the conviction and give you a fresh start.

Expungement eligibility depends on a variety of factors, including the type of offense committed, the length of time since the conviction, and whether you have completed all court-ordered requirements, such as probation or counseling. A skilled Minneapolis prostitution attorney can assess your case and determine if expungement is a viable option.

Aggressively Fighting to Clear an Individual’s Name

We have fought for both men and women charged with solicitation, as well as many accused of offering sexual services for money. In many cases, the police set up stings, often in regions well known as places vulnerable to encounters between those providing services and those buying.

Our top priority is to protect our clients’ interests no matter the case, and to deliver nothing less than our most knowledgeable and committed legal defense, regardless of the circumstances. We will take it to trial and communicate with all available options for dismissal if dismissal is in your best interests.

For a free meeting to discuss your circumstances in confidence and to begin the process of managing your case, please call our office.

Request a free consultation now and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call [[INVALID_TOKEN]] or contact us online.